Hi all, new to the board.  Im 16 and starting to take my fishing very seriously. I came into some cash to lay out too. I want to invest in some good equipment but I am struggling to make choices.

What would you all consider the rod reel setups that you need for fishing ponds to larger lakes?

2 "must have" rods in my opinion are a 7' M power/Fast action rod with a 2500 size reel, and a 7' MH power/ fast action casting rod with a high speed (25"-28" of pick up) reel. These 2 rods will cover about 85% of general bass fishing........when you gain more expierance and confidence steppng into more technique specific rods is something alot of guys do. There are great and not so great rods in every price range.....it's up to you on how much you want to spend.

I think that a great all around reel is the Flueger President. This is the smoothest reel I have ever used (10 bearings!). I can cast so much farther now. I highly reccomend it. It is $60, but at Bass Pro, you can get the reel and a bass extreme rod for $100, which is a good deal considering the rod is $60 by itself. Hope this helps.

Depending on what your budget is, you can spent $300 to $800 on one combo.  You say you have cash to spend, so give us a budget and we can take it from there.

I like Redline's philosophy!  Its so much fun spending other peoples money!!! ;D

Welcome aboard!

2 "must have" rods in my opinion are a 7' M power/Fast action rod with a 2500 size reel, and a 7' MH power/ fast action casting rod with a high speed (25"-28" of pick up) reel. These 2 rods will cover about 85% of general bass fishing........when you gain more expierance and confidence steppng into more technique specific rods is something alot of guys do. There are great and not so great rods in every price range.....it's up to you on how much you want to spend.

I think ww2farmer meant to say one spinning rod and one casting rod. I think some people might prefer 6 1/2', but I'm with him and his 7' recommendation. I also agree that these two rods are all you really neeed for bass fishing.

I agree with Redline, give us your budget so we can spend your money wisely.  

I say I have from 250-350 to spend on rods and reels.

I say I have from 250-350 to spend on rods and reels.

RedlineRobert is going to need you to add some comma's and zero's to those figures ..... ;D  

Seriously though, if you divide up $350 on 2 combos you'll be looking at about $85 -$90 per rod and same per reel. You can find All Star rods in that price range and some mid-level casting and spinning reels. You can get some good deals at BPS on combo's these days and if I had $350, that would be where I'd look first. You should be able to get 2 good combo's with that.

Well i could spend 2,500 on rods and reels, but then how am I going to buy the jon boat to go with them?

If I had 250 -350 dollars I would get these combos:http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59174_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_74456_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1

Get the Spinning combo in medium action with the 2500 series reel. I like this reel as well for $80.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_52966_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

Although I think you get a better value with the combo. You are essentially getting the rod for free.

I agree with Mr Saltwater.

As far as baitcaster the Bass Pro Shop Citica combo  and I think the Abu Garcia Revo combos are the best setups for the money. Overall satisfaction seem to be very high among members on this site. what type of reel do you fish?

I have a new opinion about rod/reel recommendations.

My feeling is this. Get good quality, but at the lower end of the mid price point.

An example would be a St. Croix premiere rod and a Shimano Symetre spinning reel.

this is a $180 combo that will be as sensative and smooth as any newbie could hope for.

If you "stick" with bass fishing you have a quality outfit, and then can build from there.

If you don't, then you haven't laid out too much money and by going with name brands they have resale value.

If you buy cheap equipment, your enjoyment level may suffer and if you are serious about the sport you will invariably move quickly up in quality and cost.

good luck and have fun.

avid